iDatastart HC3.5 Install

I purchased this system from Best Buy a couple of weeks ago when it went on sale. It includes free installation. I am debating on whether or not to use that free installation option or do the install myself. I am not real confident in letting Best Buy do the install. My local store already called me and said they would prefer not to do it and rescheduled me at another store about an hour a way for the install. I am fairly capable with projects like this and would rather just do it myself if I can. I have watched several install videos from other types of systems and it seems with the T harness, that it shouldn't be that difficult. I have also programmed an iDatastart Maestro system in another car and I assume the process is similar for their remote start systems as far as selecting the options on the computer software that are specific to my vehicle and flashing it. One thing that I haven't see in any of the install videos for remote start systems is the relay that came with my order. I am not sure what that would be used for and I don't see it reference in the vehicle specific wiring diagram that I have. Is it somehow used with the long range remotes and antenna that come with this kit?

Anyway, any feedback or advice on whether I should do this myself or not is appreciated!

 

Hey Darren, I'm curious what you decided with this? I'm in the same boat. The iDataStart HC3.5 is currently on sale at Best Buy for $300, and I'm considering purchasing it. It says that installation is included, but I'm also hesitant on letting Best Buy work on my vehicle. Do you mind following up and letting me know what you decided to do, and how you like the iDataStart and if you'd recommend it? If you installed it yourself, how'd it go? Thanks.

 

Mike, I did the install myself. Everything turned out great! I watched enough YouTube videos of other types of remote start installs and got the wiring diagram for my truck from the Idatastart website. I also used their software to program the module for my truck before installing.

 

That's great to hear! I think I'm going to purchase it then. Did you have to cut or splice any wires or did the T-harness make that unnecessary? Thanks for the reply!

 

I think that I had to cut two wires and tap 5 or 6 wires. The harness took care of everything else. The system is really nice. I would get it for sure whether you decide to install it yourself or not. I’d be glad to jump on a call with you and talk with you about it if you like.

 

Also, I got rid of the remote key and programmed just a regular h chip key with mine. I didn’t want to carry that big wad in my pocket. I just have the chip key and the new remote that came with the HC 3.5. That is all that I carry.

 

That seems simple enough. Unfortunately I can't talk on the phone for a while as I'm currently at work, but I might ping you later.

That sounds nice. If I'm understanding you correctly, you got rid of the OEM key fob and replaced it with a physical key that's chipped, and are using the HC3.5 remote for lock/unlock? I'm assuming you need the chipped key for touch lock/unlock? Since my Taco is a '15, I still have a physical key (no push start) and a fob with lock/unlock. I also don't have the touch lock/unlock on the exterior door handles which I'm assuming you have like my wife's '18 Highlander has.

 

No, I don't have the push button start either. My fob was built into the key which I don't like. It seems like you can just ditch your current fob and use the new one instead if you wanted to. I use the HC 3.5 for lock and unlock as well as the remote start option. The range is what I really wanted out of this whole install. My factory fob wouldn't lock or unlock from inside my house. The range was terrible. I can lock my car from inside Walmart now.

 

Ah, I understand now. That's great news though, if I can ditch the OEM fob and replace it with the iDataStart fob, that would be most ideal. Plus the range sounds awesome. I'm a little surprised the 2022 Taco doesn't have push button start. I just purchased the remote start kit so I'm excited to get my hands on it! Says it won't be ready for pick up until March 26th, so I have a little over a week to wait.

 

Mine is an SR5. I believe the sports, off roads and limited have the push button start. The bonus for not having push button start is that mine stays running when I open the door. I put the key in and turn to “run” and the chip key takes over.

 

I would skip tapping in wires, this company makes a plug and play remote start for the 2022. Check it out.

https://accessorides.com/search?q=2022+tacoma